It's not often I'm completely shocked by a tire test, but this years AMS EV tire vs normal tire test has me stumped.

Why? Let me run a few things past you. The Michelin e.Primacy was best in wet braking, beating both the Continental SportContact 7 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport, which usually ace that test. The Michelin e.Primacy also beat the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV overall, which has won every other test it's featured in, and Continental won the test twice!

The concept for the test seems relatively straightforward - get a bunch of the best performance tires on the market and test them against the newest ultra low rolling resistance / EV tires, the Michelin e.Primacy, the Falken eZiex and the Pirelli Scorpion Elect.

Things get l little more complicated as AMS also included the Kia EV6 OE version of the Continental PremiumContact 6, and the acoustic foam version of the Michelin Pilot Sport SUV. And they used two test vehicles, an EV Kia EV6 and a diesel Kia Sorento. Quite which did what escapes me, so if you want to know you should go check out the full AMS test on their website or magazine.

Wet

Wet braking is the test that's raised the most eyebrows in the industry. Traditionally the wet performance of a tire is an opposing requirement of rolling resistance / energy use, highlighted by the fact the the Michelin e.Primacy has never had a good wet braking result against its rivals. Don't believe me? Check out the other tests linked from here.

In this test, the e.Primacy was not only best of the other EV tires, it was best of all the tires! Perhaps it was something to do with the rather large 255/45 R20 tire size tested, or perhaps it was due to a very high grip wet braking surface (look at the distances!) but the data had the e.Primacy at the top, and the new Falken eZiex in second, both ahead of their much higher rolling resistance counter parts, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and Falken Azenis FK520.

Fortunately wet handling had the tires in a more expected order, with the ultra low rolling resistance tires struggling to get the Kia around the lap compared to the wet master, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport.

The ultra low rolling resistance tires were also amongst the worst in the aquaplaning tests, which is often a feature of the shallower starting tread depth and less water channels of tires designed to save energy.

Dry

Dry braking had both the Continental products at the front, with four tires tied for fourth place!

The sport-bias UHP tires led the way in the dry handling laps, with the Continental SportContact 7 having an impressive margin.

Environment

The magazine tested the rolling resistance of the tires, which is a machine test, and the energy consumption in the real world using the Kia EV6.

The EV tires led the real world test, with the Falken Azenis FK520 tying with the eZiex on the drum test. As we've seen before, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport isn't the tire to buy if you care about your energy use!

The three EV tires also had the lowest external passby noise, another feature of the low tread depth, BUT the testers did comment that the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV with acoustic foam was noticeably quieter in the cabin meaning the sound deadening foam applied to the inside of the tire was doing its job well.

There was quite a range in tire prices, with Michelin being the two most expensive products in the test.

Results

Please note: Continental claim the SportContact 7 should have over 7mm of tread depth, but in the interest of fairness, I've databased what was listed in the magazine. Based on my own measurements in a different tire size of the SC7, it seems most likely that the magazine is incorrect.

1st: Continental SportContact 7
255/45 R20 105Y EU Label: C/A/73 Weight: 12.44kgs Tread: 5.87mm 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 1st 34.1 M 100% Dry Handling 1st 91.9 Km/H 100% Wet Braking 4th 24.3 M 23.9 M +0.4 M 98.35% Wet Handling 4th 50.4 Km/H 51.6 Km/H -1.2 Km/H 97.67% Wet Circle 2nd 8.72 m/s 8.97 m/s -0.25 m/s 97.21% Straight Aqua 2nd 83.3 Km/H 83.8 Km/H -0.5 Km/H 99.4% Curved Aquaplaning 3rd 8.8 m/sec2 9.14 m/sec2 -0.34 m/sec2 96.28% Noise 7th 73 dB 71.9 dB +1.1 dB 98.49% Price 6th 285 177 +108 62.11% Rolling Resistance 4th 7.2 kg / t 5.7 kg / t +1.5 kg / t 79.17% Energy Consumption 6th 15 kWh/100km 13.2 kWh/100km +1.8 kWh/100km 88% Maximum aquaplaning safety, very balanced wet safety with strong understeer, works well with the ESP control system. Very short braking distances dry. Strong understeer even in the dry, increased tire noise. The SC7 is a sporty, efficient all-rounder with high safety reserves. Read Reviews    Buy from £239.95
2nd: Continental Premium Contact 6
255/45 R20 101Y EU Label: B/A/72 Weight: 13.42kgs Tread: 6.33mm 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 1st 34.1 M 100% Dry Handling 5th 90 Km/H 91.9 Km/H -1.9 Km/H 97.93% Wet Braking 7th 24.7 M 23.9 M +0.8 M 96.76% Wet Handling 5th 50 Km/H 51.6 Km/H -1.6 Km/H 96.9% Wet Circle 5th 8.58 m/s 8.97 m/s -0.39 m/s 95.65% Straight Aqua 8th 81.8 Km/H 83.8 Km/H -2 Km/H 97.61% Curved Aquaplaning 8th 8 m/sec2 9.14 m/sec2 -1.14 m/sec2 87.53% Noise 4th 72.1 dB 71.9 dB +0.2 dB 99.72% Price 3rd 213 177 +36 83.1% Rolling Resistance 5th 7.4 kg / t 5.7 kg / t +1.7 kg / t 77.03% Energy Consumption 6th 15 kWh/100km 13.2 kWh/100km +1.8 kWh/100km 88% Very short dry braking, Safe balance, good handling in the wet and in the dry. Very low drive-by and interior noise. Compared to the Conti SC 7, the steering behavior is more sluggish, the tendency to understeer is more pronounced and the level of grip is somewhat lower. The Kia EV6 OE version of PC6 was tested in this test. It is very quiet on the EV6 - technically no longer up to date as the PC7 is on the market. Read Reviews    Buy from £217.03
3rd: Michelin e.Primacy
255/45 R20 101V EU Label: A/A/70 Weight: 11.89kgs Tread: 6.3mm 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 4th 34.9 M 34.1 M +0.8 M 97.71% Dry Handling 9th 89.5 Km/H 91.9 Km/H -2.4 Km/H 97.39% Wet Braking 1st 23.9 M 100% Wet Handling 7th 49.8 Km/H 51.6 Km/H -1.8 Km/H 96.51% Wet Circle 7th 8.46 m/s 8.97 m/s -0.51 m/s 94.31% Straight Aqua 8th 81.8 Km/H 83.8 Km/H -2 Km/H 97.61% Curved Aquaplaning 9th 7.68 m/sec2 9.14 m/sec2 -1.46 m/sec2 84.03% Noise 1st 71.9 dB 100% Price 9th 371 177 +194 47.71% Rolling Resistance 2nd 5.9 kg / t 5.7 kg / t +0.2 kg / t 96.61% Energy Consumption 3rd 13.4 kWh/100km 13.2 kWh/100km +0.2 kWh/100km 98.51% Best braking in the wet, very low rolling resistance and quiet rolling noise. Easily controllable tire with safe understeer tendency. Poor ride comfort with low self-damping. The e.Primacy is the best choice for high-quality, comfortable e-models - but it's expensive. Read Reviews    Buy from £238.73
4th: Falken e.Ziex
255/45 R20 105V EU Label: A/A/72 Weight: 11.6kgs Tread: 6.12mm 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 3rd 34.3 M 34.1 M +0.2 M 99.42% Dry Handling 4th 90.3 Km/H 91.9 Km/H -1.6 Km/H 98.26% Wet Braking 2nd 24 M 23.9 M +0.1 M 99.58% Wet Handling 9th 49.4 Km/H 51.6 Km/H -2.2 Km/H 95.74% Wet Circle 9th 8.41 m/s 8.97 m/s -0.56 m/s 93.76% Straight Aqua 10th 81.3 Km/H 83.8 Km/H -2.5 Km/H 97.02% Curved Aquaplaning 10th 7.2 m/sec2 9.14 m/sec2 -1.94 m/sec2 78.77% Noise 1st 71.9 dB 100% Price 5th 252 177 +75 70.24% Rolling Resistance 1st 5.7 kg / t 100% Energy Consumption 1st 13.2 kWh/100km 100% Very short braking distances on wet and dry roads, very low rolling resistance and quiet rolling noise. Too much focus on safety and efficiency criteria resulting in a sluggish response. Increased risk of slipping deeper water. The new Falken e.Ziex is a smooth-running and safe newcomer with a good price-performance ratio. Read Reviews
5th: Bridgestone Potenza Sport
255/45 R20 105Y EU Label: C/A/72 Weight: 13.48kgs Tread: 6.36mm 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 4th 34.9 M 34.1 M +0.8 M 97.71% Dry Handling 2nd 90.9 Km/H 91.9 Km/H -1 Km/H 98.91% Wet Braking 9th 26 M 23.9 M +2.1 M 91.92% Wet Handling 1st 51.6 Km/H 100% Wet Circle 1st 8.97 m/s 100% Straight Aqua 7th 82.2 Km/H 83.8 Km/H -1.6 Km/H 98.09% Curved Aquaplaning 1st 9.14 m/sec2 100% Noise 10th 73.5 dB 71.9 dB +1.6 dB 97.82% Price 7th 304 177 +127 58.22% Rolling Resistance 10th 9.1 kg / t 5.7 kg / t +3.4 kg / t 62.64% Energy Consumption 10th 16.1 kWh/100km 13.2 kWh/100km +2.9 kWh/100km 81.99% Outstanding cornering grip on wet and dry roads, combined with very precise handling characteristics - a very sporty tire. Long braking distances in the wet, sensitive to temperature. Increased rolling resistance and louder pass-by noise, somewhat rumbling in the cabin. The Potenza Sport is the sportiest tire in the field - the tire to buy when efficiency isn't a priority. Read Reviews    Buy from £204.79
6th: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
255/45 R20 105Y EU Label: C/A/72 Weight: 14.1kgs Tread: 7.27mm 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 4th 34.9 M 34.1 M +0.8 M 97.71% Dry Handling 6th 89.9 Km/H 91.9 Km/H -2 Km/H 97.82% Wet Braking 4th 24.3 M 23.9 M +0.4 M 98.35% Wet Handling 3rd 50.5 Km/H 51.6 Km/H -1.1 Km/H 97.87% Wet Circle 3rd 8.69 m/s 8.97 m/s -0.28 m/s 96.88% Straight Aqua 1st 83.8 Km/H 100% Curved Aquaplaning 2nd 8.93 m/sec2 9.14 m/sec2 -0.21 m/sec2 97.7% Noise 7th 73 dB 71.9 dB +1.1 dB 98.49% Price 10th 400 177 +223 44.25% Rolling Resistance 8th 8 kg / t 5.7 kg / t +2.3 kg / t 71.25% Energy Consumption 8th 15.3 kWh/100km 13.2 kWh/100km +2.1 kWh/100km 86.27% Good aquaplaning protection, outstanding ride comfort and very quiet interior noise. Slightly longer braking distances in the dry, marginal dynamic weaknesses in wet handling. Slightly increased rolling resistance. Increased pass-by noise. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV Acoustic Tested - Very quiet internal noise - more suited to combustion cars than EVs. Read Reviews    Buy from £247.76
7th: Falken Azenis FK520
255/45 R20 105Y EU Label: C/A/70 Weight: 13.54kgs Tread: 7.01mm 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 4th 34.9 M 34.1 M +0.8 M 97.71% Dry Handling 3rd 90.8 Km/H 91.9 Km/H -1.1 Km/H 98.8% Wet Braking 3rd 24.2 M 23.9 M +0.3 M 98.76% Wet Handling 8th 49.6 Km/H 51.6 Km/H -2 Km/H 96.12% Wet Circle 6th 8.52 m/s 8.97 m/s -0.45 m/s 94.98% Straight Aqua 6th 82.6 Km/H 83.8 Km/H -1.2 Km/H 98.57% Curved Aquaplaning 7th 8.06 m/sec2 9.14 m/sec2 -1.08 m/sec2 88.18% Noise 9th 73.4 dB 71.9 dB +1.5 dB 97.96% Price 4th 216 177 +39 81.94% Rolling Resistance 6th 7.6 kg / t 5.7 kg / t +1.9 kg / t 75% Energy Consumption 5th 14.7 kWh/100km 13.2 kWh/100km +1.5 kWh/100km 89.8% Good braking and decent cornering grip in the wet. Comparatively active, safe handling dry, quiet and comfortable on the inside. Basically a bit sluggish when turning, indifferent, unbalanced wet handling, longer braking distances on a dry track. The FK520 is a comparatively cheaper all-rounder with only small weaknesses. Read Reviews    Buy from £202.75
8th: Maxxis Victra Sport VS5 SUV
255/45 R20 105Y EU Label: C/A/71 Weight: 13.82kgs Tread: 7.27mm 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 8th 35.5 M 34.1 M +1.4 M 96.06% Dry Handling 6th 89.9 Km/H 91.9 Km/H -2 Km/H 97.82% Wet Braking 8th 25 M 23.9 M +1.1 M 95.6% Wet Handling 2nd 50.8 Km/H 51.6 Km/H -0.8 Km/H 98.45% Wet Circle 3rd 8.69 m/s 8.97 m/s -0.28 m/s 96.88% Straight Aqua 2nd 83.3 Km/H 83.8 Km/H -0.5 Km/H 99.4% Curved Aquaplaning 5th 8.45 m/sec2 9.14 m/sec2 -0.69 m/sec2 92.45% Noise 5th 72.9 dB 71.9 dB +1 dB 98.63% Price 1st 177 100% Rolling Resistance 9th 8.8 kg / t 5.7 kg / t +3.1 kg / t 64.77% Energy Consumption 8th 15.3 kWh/100km 13.2 kWh/100km +2.1 kWh/100km 86.27% Proper cornering and safe handling in the wet, even when changing loads. Balanced, safe and quite precise handling dry. Longer braking distances on wet and dry roads, slightly increased rolling resistance. The Victra Sport 5 SUV has a slightly reduced level of performance at a fair price. Read Reviews
9th: Pirelli Scorpion Elect
255/45 R20 105Y EU Label: A/A/70 Weight: 12.73kgs Tread: 7.2mm 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 10th 36.6 M 34.1 M +2.5 M 93.17% Dry Handling 10th 88.8 Km/H 91.9 Km/H -3.1 Km/H 96.63% Wet Braking 6th 24.6 M 23.9 M +0.7 M 97.15% Wet Handling 10th 49.1 Km/H 51.6 Km/H -2.5 Km/H 95.16% Wet Circle 10th 8.38 m/s 8.97 m/s -0.59 m/s 93.42% Straight Aqua 4th 83.2 Km/H 83.8 Km/H -0.6 Km/H 99.28% Curved Aquaplaning 6th 8.09 m/sec2 9.14 m/sec2 -1.05 m/sec2 88.51% Noise 1st 71.9 dB 100% Price 8th 308 177 +131 57.47% Rolling Resistance 3rd 6.4 kg / t 5.7 kg / t +0.7 kg / t 89.06% Energy Consumption 1st 13.2 kWh/100km 100% Largely safe, understeering behavior in the dry, very quiet pass-by noise, good fuel efficiency, decent ride comfort. Long braking distances in the dry, sluggish steering, limited grip and poor steering precision in the wet. The Scorpion Elect demands too many compromises for its increased range. Read Reviews
10th: GT Radial SportActive 2 SUV
255/45 R20 105W EU Label: B/A/70 Weight: 13.05kgs Tread: 7.67mm 3PMSF: no	Test # Result Best Difference % Dry Braking 9th 35.8 M 34.1 M +1.7 M 95.25% Dry Handling 8th 89.6 Km/H 91.9 Km/H -2.3 Km/H 97.5% Wet Braking 10th 26.9 M 23.9 M +3 M 88.85% Wet Handling 6th 49.9 Km/H 51.6 Km/H -1.7 Km/H 96.71% Wet Circle 8th 8.44 m/s 8.97 m/s -0.53 m/s 94.09% Straight Aqua 4th 83.2 Km/H 83.8 Km/H -0.6 Km/H 99.28% Curved Aquaplaning 4th 8.77 m/sec2 9.14 m/sec2 -0.37 m/sec2 95.95% Noise 5th 72.9 dB 71.9 dB +1 dB 98.63% Price 2nd 198 177 +21 89.39% Rolling Resistance 7th 7.7 kg / t 5.7 kg / t +2 kg / t 74.03% Energy Consumption 4th 14.6 kWh/100km 13.2 kWh/100km +1.4 kWh/100km 90.41% Good aquaplaning protection, safe lane changes in the dry, very quiet and comfortable tire in the car. Too long braking distances in the wet (devaluation), poorly balanced wet handling with oversteer and understeer, seems a bit overwhelmed when driven in a sporty manner given the high vehicle weight. The cheap SportActive 2 fails with too long braking distances. Read Reviews